Charles Leclerc admits what he’s still ‘missing’ from his F1 ‘CV’ on top of a world title

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Charles Leclerc has opened up about his career so far in F1, pointing out what he is still ‘missing’ from his CV in the sport on top of a maiden world championship.

Ahead of his home race at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, Charles Leclerc further pledged his future to Ferrari by signing an extension to his existing contract with the Scuderia that will see him continue to race in red well into his 30s.

After signing a new deal, will Charles Leclerc retire as a Ferrari driver?

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The new deal signified Leclerc’s intention of becoming Ferrari’s first driver to win the world championship since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007. However, it could also prove to be another few years in which he has to endure further frustrations with the team.

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Charles Leclerc admits he still needs more wins on his F1 ‘CV’

In an interview with Motorsport Italia ahead of the race weekend on the prestigious streets of Monaco, Leclerc was asked to look back on his F1 career so far and point out any regrets or missed opportunities.

The Monegasque was quick to point out his eight Grand Prix wins as somewhat of a lacklustre statistic, highlighting how he would like to have more on his tally, as well as, of course, a world championship.

“I’d certainly like to have more wins, and I’d like to have won a World Championship,” he responded. “Those are things I don’t have yet, but I have had the chance to race for the team I’ve always dreamed of.

“I also think of the loyalty I owe to the people who helped me at a crucial moment in my career, enabling me to get where I am today. If Ferrari hadn’t believed in me, I don’t know if I’d be here now. That’s very important to me.

“Of course, I’d like to have more successes on my CV, but I think everyone always wants a bit more, even when they’ve already won so much. It’s true that victories and the world title are what I’m missing and what I’d like to achieve. I hope it happens soon.”

Leclerc’s last trip to the top step of the podium came during the 2024 F1 campaign, where he led Ferrari’s first one-two with Carlos Sainz since 2006. He scored three wins that year for the Prancing Horse, including fairytale victories at Monaco and Monza.

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Charles Leclerc welcomed one ‘great’ Ferrari scenario he would never get with Lewis Hamilton

Leclerc was also asked about the relationship with his past and present teammates at Ferrari. He was reminded that he has always been the younger driver in each scenario, to which he replied, with a smile, “It’s strange, isn’t it?”

He then outlined how he has benefited from the experience of his teammates in the past, and acknowledged that he will be in the same position as his teammates one day.

“Time passes for everyone, so for me too, that moment will come,” he said. “I think it will be an extra motivation. It has always spurred me on to compete against the best drivers in the world.

“I’ve been lucky to have very strong team-mates like Carlos, Seb [Vettel] and Lewis [Hamilton], and I’ve learnt something from all of them. But having a younger driver alongside me would also be great.”